Hsian-tsao (Mesona procumbens Heml.) prevents against rat liver fibrosis induced by CCl(4) via inhibition of hepatic stellate cells activation.
In this study, the protective effect of extract of Hsian-tsao (Mesona procumbens) (EHT) against liver fibrogenesis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-injured rats was evaluated. The inhibitory effect of oleanolic acid (OA) and ursolic acid (UA), which are the active compounds in EHT, on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) was also determined. The results showed that EHT at a dosage of 1.2g/kg of b.w. significantly reduced the liver injury induced by CCl(4) in rats. It also decreased the activity of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the deposition of collagen in the liver. Oral administration of EHT reduced the levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and the activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs) in rats injured by treatment with CCl(4). In addition, we performed experiments with the rat hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6 in which we induced the expression of MMP-2 and alpha-SMA with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Treating these cells with OA (20microM) or UA (10microM) caused a decrease in the levels of both proteins. Taken together, our data indicate that EHT can efficiently inhibit CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. EHT may therefore be a useful functional food for preventing liver fibrosis.
Shyu
Ming-Huan
MH
Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, 250, Kuokuang Road, Taiching 402, Taiwan.
Kao
Tzu-Chien
TC
Yen
Gow-Chin
GC
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002252:Carbon Tetrachloride Poisoning / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D055166:Hepatic Stellate Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D019686:Lamiaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000096:biosynthesis; D009828:Oleanolic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D008517:Phytotherapy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000032:analysis; D000097245:Ursolic Acid
D002273:Carcinogens; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases; D009828:Oleanolic Acid; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate; D014315:Triterpenes; D000097245:Ursolic Acid